Match Summary
The Saints started well into the breeze with early centre clearances a positive sign for the day. Uni got on the board first however and with a strong breeze at their back kicked the first 2 goals of the match. Travis Modra got the Saints rolling with a strong mark and goal and at quarter time the Saints trailed by just 13 points having won our fair share of possession. Matthew Earl at centre half forward was proving a major avenue to attack and his forward line ruck work was competitive.

The second quarter belonged to Troy Klemm. His mark and goal followed by a free kick goal and a snapped goal saw the saints in front and at half time. The on ball division took control in the 2nd quarter with Tyrrell rucking well and Bartel, Demasi, Roesler and Webb all getting their fair share of possession.

The 3rd quarter was vital and it was the saint’s backs who came into their own. Charlie Thomas was courageous as always, late inclusion Matthew Spencer was a stumbling block and Travis Beinke and new dad Brenton Reidy were desperate as ever. The Wilson boys Adam and Haydn generated tremendous rebound and Adams pace across half back proved decisive. Half way through the quarter we had repelled every uni attack and the Saints got on the front foot.

A dazzling goal to Jordan Telfer got the momentum moving and Matthew Earls check side goal and goal from the boundary had the Saints on top. Adam Wilson drifted forward and when Scott Webb kicked long Wilson rose to the heavens and grabbed the mark of the year. His conversion from 15 yards had the Saints ecstatic as we turned for home with a commanding 33 point lead.

Coach Mills gave the boys his final instructions at 3 quarter time and asked for one final effort with the breeze to ensure there was no chance of a Uni revival. Early goals to Demasi, Klemm and Roesler and the game was over as a contest. The Saints supporters rose to a new level as the frenzied Saints attacked incessantly. Josh Starling strode on in the last quarter to a heroes welcome as the Saints continued to dominate and Nat Doyles late goal had the Goodwood Saints faithful ectstatic.

The final siren sounded on a commanding 47 point victory and we had defended our title as the best side in the Amateur league. Our back to back premiership the first time we had achieved such a feat in the top grade of the league. The celebrations began on the oval as firstly the players hugged and then all Goodwood Saints supporters got involved. Matthew Earl won the Allan Stratton Medal for the best player on ground and Troy Klemm finished a fine season with 5 goals. When coach Trent Mills and captain Dave Bartel raised the Cup it was the confirmation of a sweet victory.